For nearly 60 years, St. Jude Medical Center has met the needs of the community, by offering the highest quality care with compassion and respect. We are one of Southern California's most respected and technologically advanced hospitals, and our four core values: dignity, excellence, service and justice are the guiding principles for everything we do. St. Jude is synonymous with exceptional care that extends beyond good medicine to a commitment to caring for you – mind, body and spirit.

Search by Doctor's Name

Search by Specialty

St. Jude Medical Center has proudly served Southern California for over six decades, offering compassionate care of the highest quality. Our staff is composed of nearly 700 physicians who represent every specialty from cancer care to orthopedics. We always strive to set a new standard in quality and care.

Search Alphabetically

Search by Keyword

At St. Jude Medical Center, we are proud to serve the healthcare and medical needs of people throughout Southern California. Find out about our specialties by clicking the option above, or search through all of our services by choosing the letter or search to the left.

Today, St. Jude Medical Center’s commitment to excellence is more important than ever—and it is a generous community that makes that commitment possible. But as the medical needs of this community continue to grow, so does the importance of those willing to give to ensure state-of-the-art care. There are many ways you can help. To learn more, please call the St. Jude Memorial Foundation at (714) 992-3033.

Call Us

Chest Fluoroscopy

What is chest fluoroscopy?

Chest fluoroscopy is an imaging test that uses X-rays to look at how well your lungs are working. It can also look at other parts of your respiratory tract. Your respiratory tract includes your lungs, nose, throat, trachea, and bronchi.

Fluoroscopy is a kind of X-ray "movie." This test uses more radiation than a standard chest X-ray. So your healthcare provider will make sure that this test is important for a diagnosis.

Why might I need a chest fluoroscopy?

You may need chest fluoroscopy if your healthcare provider needs to see how well your lungs, diaphragm, or other parts of your chest are working. Your provider may order this test if he or she thinks you may have:

Less movement or no movement in your diaphragm because of lung disease or injury

Less air movement in your lungs (loss of lung elasticity)

Blockage (obstruction) in your bronchioles

Fluid in the space between your lungs and your chest wall (pleural effusion)

Mass in your chest cavity

This test may also be used along with other tests or treatments. For example, the radiologist can use this test to help guide where needles or long tubes (catheters) should be placed in your chest.

Your provider may have other reasons to recommend chest fluoroscopy.

What are the risks of a chest fluoroscopy?

You may want to ask your healthcare provider about the amount of radiation used during the test. Also ask about the risks as they apply to you.

Consider writing down all X-rays you get, including past scans and X-rays for other health reasons. Show this list to your provider. The risks of radiation exposure may be tied to the number of X-rays you have and the X-ray treatments you have over time.

Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Radiation exposure during pregnancy may lead to birth defects.

You may have other risks depending on your specific health condition. Be sure to talk with your provider about any concerns you have before the procedure.

How do I get ready for a chest fluoroscopy?

Your healthcare provider will explain the procedure to you. Ask him or her any questions you have about the procedure.

You may be asked to sign a consent form that gives permission to do the procedure. Read the form carefully and ask questions if anything is not clear.

You usually do not need to stop eating or drinking before the test. You also usually will not need medicine to help you relax (sedation).

Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any body piercing on your chest.

Follow any other instructions your provider gives you to get ready.

What happens during a chest fluoroscopy?

You may have chest fluoroscopy as an outpatient or as part of your stay in a hospital. The way the test is done may vary depending on your condition and your healthcare provider's practices.

Generally, chest fluoroscopy follows this process:

You will be asked to remove any clothing, jewelry, or other objects that may get in the way of the test.

You may be asked to remove clothing. If so, you will be given a gown to wear.

You will stand between the X-ray machine and the fluoroscopic screen. If you are unable to stand, you will be put on an X-ray table. You may be asked to move into different positions, cough, or hold your breath while the fluoroscopy is being done.

The radiologist will use a special X-ray scanner to make images of your chest. The fluoroscopy images may be seen on a monitor. This lets the radiologist see how parts of your chest move during the test.

The test is done when the radiologist has taken all pictures he or she needs.

What happens after a chest fluoroscopy?

You do not need any special care after chest fluoroscopy. Your healthcare provider may give you other instructions, depending on your situation.

Next steps

Before you agree to the test or the procedure make sure you know:

The name of the test or procedure

The reason you are having the test or procedure

What results to expect and what they mean

The risks and benefits of the test or procedure

What the possible side effects or complications are

When and where you are to have the test or procedure

Who will do the test or procedure and what that person’s qualifications are

What would happen if you did not have the test or procedure

Any alternative tests or procedures to think about

When and how will you get the results

Who to call after the test or procedure if you have questions or problems